Senate OKs bill to let local police enforce speed with radar

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — For a second straight year, the Pennsylvania Senate is advancing legislation to permit Pennsylvania's municipal police departments to use radar to catch speeders.

The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday, 46-3, and heads to the House. A similar bill died in the House last year.

Under the bill, trained police officers could use radar or infrared laser light devices to catch speeders. Currently, only the Pennsylvania State Police are allowed to use such devices in the state.

Sen. Randy Vulakovich of Allegheny County says Pennsylvania is the only state that doesn't permit local police to use the devices. A municipality's governing body must authorize its police force to use the devices and post warning signs.

It bars motorists from being convicted if their recorded speed is less than 10 mph over the speed limit.

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